Joint Guyana, Suriname operation results in major cocaine haul
A collaboration between the Guyana and Suriname authorities, has led to the seizure of 902 kilogrammes of cocaine at an airstrip in the Tafelberg plateau of the Central Nature Reserve in Suriname.
A statement from Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday night stated that the seizure highlights the close collaboration between the law enforcement authorities of Guyana, Suriname and other partner countries.
“This level of cooperation is part of the Government of Guyana multifaceted approach to suppress and ultimately eliminate the scourge of drug trafficking in Guyana. The strategy will continue to be enhanced to deter traffickers from using Guyana territory to further their illicit activity,” CANU said.
Head of the anti-drug trafficking agency, James Singh, yesterday told Stabroek News that this an ongoing investigation and they are looking at the activities of other persons of interest.
Surinamese news agency, www.waterkant.net, reported that the seizure was made by a mixed unit, consisting of members of the Suriname Police Force (KPS) and other security services.
A Cuban national, who was present at the airstrip in Tafelberg at the time of the raid has since been arrested.
Reports also suggested that the shipment of drugs was dropped to the spot via a plane.
CANU noted that this collaboration and partnership forms part of the commitment made by both governments to enhance and develop cooperation especially in the security sector to guarantee the safety of citizens of both countries.
Organised crime, the anti-drug trafficking agency pointed out, is a transnational problem and requires trusted cooperation among law enforcement authorities in the region and further afield.